NEW YORK - Dipexium Pharmaceuticals Inc., a late-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of Locilex® (pexiganan cream 0.8%), a novel, broad-spectrum, topical antimicrobial peptide, today announced in a press release that the government of Japan has issued a Locilex patent. The patent claims are directed to a novel formulation of Locilex, an antimicrobial peptide formulated as a topical cream. The issued patent has an expiry date in June 2033.

"We are delighted to receive a Locilex patent in Japan, the third largest pharmaceuticals market in the world," stated David P. Luci, President & Chief Executive Officer of Dipexium, "We anticipate the issuance of additional Locilex patents in other major international markets which will allow us to continue to establish commercial viability of Locilex throughout the world."